April 10, 2012

Collars are huge for spring and I was inspired by the KARL by Karl Lagerfeld collection to make some of my own. Starting at over $100 a pop they can get pretty pricey but you can make your own for about $10 each. Be forewarned, I’m short on time and I know everyone doesn’t have or know how to use a sewing machine so I tried to find the easiest way possible to make these collars.

1. With a scissor cut the collar off the shirt – be sure to not cut off the stand – the back part of the collar that rests against your neck. Try to cut as close to the seam as possible. If you have a sewing machine you can un-stitch the collar off and then sew the seam closed.

2. Using the collar as a pattern, cut the fabric based on the shape of your collar. Be sure to leave extra fabric on the sides where you will wrap fabric around the back of the collar. You don’t have to cover the entire underside of the collar but you can. It you opt not to then try the collar on before you cut the fabric so you are sure of the areas that are visible when worn.

3. Each brand of tape may have different instructions so go by what is listed with the product you choose. According to the tape instructions, apply the tap and fabric to the collar to all of the areas of the collar that are visible when worn.

1. With a scissor cut the collar off the shirt – be sure to not cut off the stand – the back part of the collar that rests against your neck. Try to cut as close to the seam as possible. If you have a sewing machine you can un-stitch the collar off and then sew the seam closed.

2. If you have lots of time on your hands and are crafty with a needle and thread, the best way to apply the pearls is by sewing each one on individually. If you have no time for that, then just simply apply glue to the collar and then place the pearls on the glue. Go in small sections so the glue doesn’t start drying before you get the pearls on the collar. Let the collar dry according to the glue instructions.

That’s it!

Tools you'll need to make the DIY Pearl Collar

I hope you get inspired to make your own – all you have to do is choose a collar shape that you like and your favorite embellishment (beads? feathers? rhinestones? faux fur? sequins?) and go to town. Have fun getting crafty!